During his emotional draft call, Kneeland told then-coach Mike McCarthy, “I won’t let you down, man.” He played in 11 games as a rookie, earning praise from defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and scoring his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football earlier this week.
Watch his draft call on the Cowboys’ official site.
Personal Loss and Mental Health Struggles
Kneeland’s death comes less than a year after losing his mother, Wendy Kneeland, who passed away in February 2024. “It was definitely tough,” he told The Dallas Morning News at the time. “She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL,’ and I made it.”
He often wore a necklace containing his mother’s ashes, symbolizing how deeply her loss affected him.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.
